Asian tennis body honours SLTA with gold award

KUCHING (Jan 27): The Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) has received the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Gold Recognition Award, placing Sarawak among a select group of international venues for excellence in tournament organisation and management.

News of the award broke during a press conference to announce the SLTA 2026 International Calendar at the Baitul Makmur II building here on Monday.

Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the recognition as a major achievement for Sarawak and the state’s sports development.

“This prestigious recognition places Sarawak among a select group of trusted international venues worldwide, acknowledging SLTA’s exceptional standard in tournament organisation, operational excellence and athlete experience, and the ability to meet international standards,” he said.

“When you get an international recognition like this, it is not easy.

“I don’t see that many local associations being given this kind of recognition. This is an international recognition and it is a gold recognition,” he added.

He explained that the ATF has several levels of recognition, including bronze, silver and gold, with gold being the highest.

“I think this is the first time. I’m not too sure whether any other association in Malaysia that looks after tennis has been given this. Probably this is the first time,” he said.

According to him, the award reflected the confidence of the ATF in SLTA’s commitment in organising international tournaments, particularly at the junior level.

“To reach the senior level, you have to go through juniors. For you to get to the Grand Slam, you have to go through that. And that is very important,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, SLTA president Dato Patrick Liew credited the achievement to the long-term support from the state government and the dedication of the association’s committee.

He also expressed appreciation to committee members who have served the association for more than two decades.

“We are already ageing but we are still here because we have no other interest, just love for the sport,” he said.

Liew noted that SLTA’s decades of involvement in ATF and ITF tournaments had paid off with the recognition.

“Out of 44 countries, only three countries get this award. One is in China, one in Kazakhstan and SLTA is one of them. So this is very highly rated,” he said.

The recognition comes with some privileges, including waived sanction fees and priority in hosting international tournaments.

The ATF Gold Recognition Award is the highest level of certification within the Asian Tennis Federation, given to associations and organisers that demonstrate excellence in tournament standards, facilities, management and player development.